Samaras has everlasting love for Celtic

The 29-year old Greece international joined the Bhoys from Manchester City over six years ago and has gone on to make 250 appearances for the Glasgow giants.

During that time, Samaras has helped the famed green and white hoops win four Scottish Premierships, two Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup but suggests the love he has formed with the club outweighs what he has achieved there.

"When I started playing football, I always wanted to stay at a club for many years. I didn't want to change clubs like other players do, moving every two or three years," Samaras, who is being linked with a summer exit from Parkhead, told the Celtic View.

"I wanted to love a club and for it to love me back, so they could remember me for something. This club for me is Celtic.

"I have seen players coming here for six months, one year or two years and maybe they have played 60-70 games and they won't be remembered.

"I couldn't imagine when I first came here on loan for six months that I would stay for another six years. It's a great achievement to play 250 games but it is just a number.

"If you see souvenirs, I have from football - awards, hat-trick balls, medals and trophies - they are all from Celtic. When I retire I will have my hall of fame and everything there will be Celtic."

About the author

Andrew Slevison is an avid sports fan, particularly of the world game. The Melbourne, Australia native, who has spent time living in London and travelling South America, takes a keen interest in the English Premier League and Major League Soccer and rates his best live footballing moment as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.